Gene Block’s Post

I knew my friend i mean my friend. A real friend....We go back forever and he will never be forgotten...will be MISSED....I LOVED THIS GUY....RIP MY BROTHER

What a legend! Statue at UCLA - just saying? I would see him often when I lived in San Diego; he is hard to miss!!! I would also run into him at Ralphs near Balboa Park since that was my grocery store of choice. Never got to see him play at Helix (a rival HS to mine) because there is a 10 year difference but did see him play in the NBA. The world lost an icon both on and off the court.

Bill Walton was an avid disciple of Coach John Wooden. Back in Westwood (and the broader LA area), Walton was a college basketball legend, much like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lou Alcindor at the time). What I appreciate about Walton was his joy, hard work, and boundless enthusiasm. He leveraged his experience in the NBA and broadcasting, embodying Wooden's teachings alongside other LA basketball legends such as Goodrich and Abdul-Jabbar.

My very first basketball game. 1972. Six years old. UCLA v. Wisconsin at Pauley Pavilion, to see an amazingly talented center, Bill Walton. He was truly one of a kind. In almost every way. RIP, Big Red.

I was fortunate to be Daily Bruin sports editor in 1974. I covered all the UCLA basketball games that involved Bill Walton. He had great admiration for John Wooden and carried his pyramid of success philosophy throughout his life. I was in St. Louis in 1973 when Walton hit 21 of 22 FG attempts in championship win over Memphis State. And I was at Notre Dane when UCLA’s 88 game winning streak was ended in 1974. Bill’s love for people and life will be remembered.

Thank you Gene for recognizing this amazing Bruin. I was a member of the Varsity Band in the 1970s and watched up close his incredible athletic talent at every home game and all those NCAA runs. But what I’ll remember most along with his wonderful and unlikely long term partnership with John Wooden, is his infectious optimism, positivity, support and caring for others. What a blessing he was to watch and listen to, on and off the court.

Bill Walton will be remembered as a very generous humanitarian. He bled Blue and Gold: “UCLA the best university in the world!” The world is a better place because of him and his equally generous wife and Bruin, Lori. May his memory be of a blessing. UCLA

We are a UCLA family, and we LOVE UCLA. Bill Walton's impact on UCLA and beyond is truly profound. As a towering figure on the basketball court, he showcased unparalleled skill and embodied the spirit of excellence, perseverance, and service to others. His passion for life, learning, and basketball resonated far beyond the court, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness in their endeavors. Walton's commitment to environmental causes and #socialjustice exemplifies his character's depth and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the world. His warm demeanor and generosity further solidify his legacy as a true Bruin, leaving an indelible mark on the UCLA community and beyond. #CoachJohnWooden Gene Block Faron Littleton Wilson Crum

I regret never meeting Bill. Like myself he was a dedicated bike rider and an advocate for positive thinking. How I did know him was as one of the top basketball players ever. He was an absolutely brilliant all-around player, the only one that could be mentioned in the same breath as Lew Alcindor, who literally forced the NCAA to widen the key and and spurred the rule to prohibit dunking so that he wouldn't routinely outscore the opposition by himself. Walton wasn't as otherworldly as Lew, but he was that overwhelmingly complete team player lifting his team mates up to champions while enhancing all their skills. I'm so glad that I had the privilege to seeing him play and hearing him, in his inimitable way, expound on the game and life in general. I sincerely mourn his loss. The world shined while he was a part of it. Thank you Bill.

As Coach told Bill when he wanted to wear long hair and facial hair, “we will miss you, Bill”. Bill did return to Pauley soon thereafter, newly shaved with a haircut. And now, 50 years later, we will truly miss you, Bill. Keep on truckin’.